Christianity stands uniquely alone, distinct and different from all the religions of the world. The major difference lies in the fact that every religion is a system of human works, attempting to do something to satisfy the righteous demands of their god. Without exception, every religion is constructed to approach a god through a series of human works demanding human effort.
Christianity, as found in the Bible, is a Gospel of divine grace. In the human system of works, man is constantly attempting to do something to satisfy their god and to somehow “save” himself. In the Gospel of grace, God in Christ has done all that is necessary to save man. Jesus cry over the need of mankind is “It is finished.”
When I was a boy growing up on a central Iowa farm, we attended church in a little traditional church. I cannot remember one sermon that was preached. But I do remember many of the old hymns we sang. I was thinking about the old hymn written in 1865 by Elvina M. Hall entitled
Jesus Paid it All
I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.” Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.
The more we are rooted and grounded in His loving grace, the more confident and competent we are to carry out the ministry of the Kingdom. The more confident we are in our relationship with God, the more apt we are to extend God’s love to people around us. That is the vision of our church. To equip devoted followers of Jesus who will graciously and gracefully share the love of God with people living around them. We want to experience for ourselves and then express God’s compassion to the broken and hurting living all around us.
I received this note from a couple that serve in our Kidzone.
Just wanted to let you all know what we did in the 4 yr old class this last Sunday. Tina and I were getting ready to soak in the Spirit with the kids and Tina felt that the Lord wanted us to take the kids to the lobby. We talked to the kids and gave some basic instruction on praying for people. Ask if they can pray, ask if they can lay hands, and pray simple prayers. They kids were so excited to go pray for random people.
We took the kids out and prayed for 8 people in the lobby. It was so sweet. One of the kids even told someone after the prayer that “Jesus loves you so much.” It nearly brought them to tears. By the end, I was overcome with emotion. It was a great KidZone week.
What and wonderful thing to see our children learning at a young age to extend God’s love to people in need. Great days are ahead. Jesus be glorified.